Page 15 of Free to Breathe
I don’t know if he was kidding or being serious. It’s hard to tell with his damned arrogant smirk. How Ali puts up with his ass day after day, I have no idea.
Kicking away from reading a report requiring my signature, I watch through the one-way glass overlooking the floor of analysts, seemingly pulling data out of thin air to be referenced, cross-referenced, and tagged. Suddenly, a cry goes up from one side of the room and I, along with half the floor, snap to attention. Someone just made a breakthrough on something. Hooah!
What has to be the most enjoyable aspect of my new job is the camaraderie. Even though I was hired at a higher position than the analysts sifting through lines of data on their screens, I won’t permit myself to do less than an exceptional job here. Letting them down is not an option. The environment Caleb and Keene have cultivated is more than just a team, and I’m proud to take part as a member of a new unit. It’s being part of something far bigger than yourself when anything can happen, and successes are celebrated together.
Suddenly, my door flies open after a brief knock. Keene and Charlie Henderson, who heads up Missing Persons and Protective Services at the firm, come flying in. Charlie’s face is wreathed in a smile, and Keene’s is filled with fierce satisfaction.
“We found Charlotte Collins.” Keene’s face explodes with a grin. “Alive.”
“And unharmed,” Charlie adds. I didn’t think it was possible, but his smile gets bigger.
“You’re shitting me.” The prominent Greenwich residents had come to Hudson last week begging for help when the police and FBI were unable to find their seven-year-old kidnapped daughter. The desperate couple offered to give anything, pay anything, to get their little girl back.
“Not at all.” Keene and Charlie drop into the chairs in front of my desk. “The analyst who took the tip just called in. He delivered her safely to Greenwich Hospital and plans on standing guard until the doctors check her out. Charlie has already called the parents.”
“I love making those calls,” Charlie mutters.
I don’t doubt it. I shoot a quick grin his way before asking Keene, “Who called the cops?”
Now the arrogance reappears. I start laughing. “Enjoyed it, did you?”
“Bet your goddamned ass I did. When I think it could have been any of our girls all over again?” He and Charlie share a look, and I’m quickly reminded with a glance why the Collinses’ will never see a bill for the services rendered by Hudson.
The scars left behind by what happened to each of the Freemans, one of whom happens to be Keene’s sister and the other the mother of his child, are vivid reminders of why Caleb and Keene established and maintain the Missing Persons division of this company.
“Anyway. The team is celebrating tonight, so don’t be surprised to get a bill,” Keene reminds me only to be interrupted by Charlie.
“A large bill,” Charlie adds, grinning.
Keene nods, still smiling. “A large bill,” he confirms. “Randomly dropped on your desk tomorrow. We cover all the expenses for the team: dinner, drinks, transpo home if they need it. Charlie and I won’t be there because of Ali’s birthday, but you’re welcome to go with them.”
I glare at Keene now. “You know damned well I’m not missing Ali’s birthday, you ass.”
Keene’s face is full of disgust. “At least assure me you’ve picked out a different sibling to fixate on tonight. I know she’s the birthday girl, but for fuck’s sake, Hunt, she is very much off the market.”
I sit back in my chair. “I don’t see you slapping a ring on that.” I know damned well it’s Keene for Ali, and I could not be more thrilled for her. I just can’t stop giving him a ration of shit so hard, he’ll be constipated for days.
Charlie chokes with laughter. “Jesus, Keene. The fuckin’ new guy’s calling you out now.”
Keene narrows his eyes at Charlie. “I have my plan, thank you very much.”
I can’t hold back. “When? After Kalie’s high school graduation?” Kalie is Keene and Ali’s six-month-old daughter.
Giving me the finger, Keene stands. “Just for that, I’m not passing along Caleb’s instructions to bounce early and come to the mansion for lunch.” He pauses before leaving the office. Turning back, he says, “Feels pretty amazing, doesn’t it? It’s like shooting an HK MP5 for the first time.”
I don’t have to ask what he’s talking about. “Finding Charlotte Collins supersedes that feeling, brother.”
Quirking up the side of his mouth, he says, “Right answer,” before leaving my office.
Charlie pushes himself up next. “Caleb is ordering Genoa. If you want to head to Amaryllis for lunch and to knock out early, better call him with your order.”
I’m surprised. “I thought Keene…”
Charlie snorts. “Please. That boy knows who he takes his orders from.”
Nodding, I say with complete seriousness, “Ali.”
Charlie winks. “You’re learning, Colby.” He turns and ambles to the door. Before he makes it all the way out, I stop him.
